Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 126, January 2020 | Page 22

ROAD RUNNING
n
a
l
C
g
n
i
n
n
u
The R
Abdullah and Siraaj Solomon
One of the greatest things about being part of the running community is being able to share the running journey on the roads
and trails with fellow runners. That’s why joining a club makes so much sense, because you can meet many new running friends
with whom to do training runs, drive to races, seek advice from and socialise with after the runs. But there is one thing that is
even better than that: Getting the whole family running and enjoying real quality time together, while doing something you all
love! That is why the Solomon family from Cape Town has hit the running jackpot, so to say. – BY PJ MOSES
Abdullah Solomon
22
and Comrades. They may not be the fastest running
dynasty out there, but all kitted out in their Itheko AC
club kit, they certainly are one of the most inspiring.
Getting Started
Of course, there is a big plus in being part of a running
family, says Roshaan. “Sometimes you wake up at 5am
and naturally want to go back to sleep, but with our
family around, there is always somebody to motivate
and encourage you to get up and get going. You
always have a training partner, and you also get lots of
breakfast invites... but only if you go for a run first!” Although her running had very humble beginnings,
Shanaaz has become such a committed runner that
she even hosts weekly runs from her physiotherapy
practice at Everyday Athlete. “I started running
because I promised my brother Ziyaad that I would
take him running. He wanted to get into it, but didn’t
want to do it alone. My Dad encouraged us, and even
dared us to run the Two Oceans Half Marathon, even
before we had started our running journey. He knew
how to light my fuse, because I could never resist a
Inshaaf Solomon Ziyaad Solomon
ISSUE 126 JANUARY 2020 / www.modernathlete.co.za
T
he Cape Town running community has learnt
that when you see one Solomon, you will
definitely see another not long after, and their
friendly, smiling faces have become a staple of road
running and trail running in and around the mother
city. With Dad Abdullah, Mom Inshaaf, siblings Siraaj,
Roshaan, Shanaaz and Ziyaad, plus significant others
and even the grandkids all being active runners or
walkers, the ‘Solo clan’ have become a well-known
feature at local runs and races, from 5km parkruns
all the way to the ultra distances like Two Oceans